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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team full of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."